Page 28 of Exposure of Murder

Rhea was just coming out of the roasting room. “Jane! What a pleasant surprise.”

They exchanged greetings while the barista made their order and placed everything on a tray.

“Here you go, the best coffee you ever tasted,” she said as she distributed the coffee and pastries to Claire and Emily.

They softly clinked cups and took sips.

“Oh my, this is delicious,” said Emily and smacked her lips.

Jane laughed and leaned over with a napkin to wipe some foam from Emily’s upper lip.

“So, want to tell us what’s going on?” said Claire. “Dylan mentioned that David Thornton was found dead in your pond.”

Emily gasped.

“Yeah. Even better is the fact that Ethan thinks I had something to do with Thornton’s death,” replied Jane.

Claire scrunched her face in disbelief. “You’re kidding, of course.”

“If only.” Jane sighed. “Anyhow, I thought you two might have heard rumors about Thornton. You’ve both lived here all your lives.”

Claire thought for a moment. “This is just a rumor, but Vanessa Crumb was once romantically involved with David. He almost led her to the altar before dumping her. She’s never gotten over it.”

Wow. Jane could just imagine the feelings of betrayal.

But was that enough motive to kill him? And why now? There had to be more to the story.

“I also heard that when Thornton came back to town, he was courting Vanessa’s cousin, Annabelle, and flaunting it. Apparently, Vanessa hates her,” said Emily.

Small-town gossip. You had to love it. Jane thought that if that happened to her, she’d want to kill Thornton, too. “When did they break up?”

Emily looked over at Claire. “I think a few months ago. Maybe just after you moved here?”

Claire nodded in agreement.

“Does Annabelle live around here?” she asked.

“Yes, just outside town,” replied Claire.

“Why would anyone dump Thornton’s body in my pond?”

“I don’t know why he was found in your pond,” Claire said. “You would have to ask Vanessa or Annabelle if they have any ideas. Or better yet, let Ethan ask them.”

Ethan could do his own investigation. She owed him nothing, especially since he didn’t believe her. First, she’d talk to Vanessa and Annabelle, then maybe pass along the information to Ethan. Or maybe not.

Seventeen

Ethan wasn’t a big drinker, but after the day he’d had, the cold brew sliding down his throat at the Bottom-Up was a welcome respite.

The crisp, bitter taste of the seasonal beer briefly numbed his mind and eased the day’s tension. Leaning back in the booth, he stared out into the dimly lit bar and allowed the low buzz of conversation and clinking glasses to surround him, helping him forget why he was here.

Ethan tapped his fingers on the surface of the wooden table. Ezra would complete his autopsy in a day or two. He shook his head. What a clusterfuck this was turning into.

He had two weak suspects, one a five-foot-two woman and the other, his own brother. Both had problems with David Thornton but had no real motive to kill him. The mayor was on his case. His deputies were doing their part, but it wasn’t fast enough. He couldn’t help wondering if he was missing important clues. A dull throb formed in his temple.

A man slipped into the seat across from him. “You know, drinking isn’t going to solve this murder.” His voice was a gravelly whisper.

Ethan turned to look at his old family friend and mentor, Art Dawson. The familiar face, aged with experience, comforted him, the deep-set eyes still sharp.

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